26 May 2026

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust has recently been reaccredited with its Triangle of Care (ToC) one and two ‘stars’. This accreditation recognises their inpatient, crisis mental health and community based mental health teams are acknowledged as making strong and continued efforts to improve the involvement and support of carers and families across these services.

Triangle of Care is a quality improvement scheme for health and social care providers that promotes safety, recovery and wellbeing by including and supporting unpaid carers. Originally developed by carers, the scheme is run by Carers Trust and recognises organisations that have committed to continuous improvement according to six key ‘carers included’ standards.

At least nine per cent of the UK population are unpaid carers, each playing a vital role in supporting people alongside health and social care professionals. Research shows that unpaid carers function best when NHS teams treat them as partners in care, involve them in decisions, keep them updated, respect their expertise and look out for their wellbeing. 

The assessment, that took place on 31 March 2026 and was CNWL’s first since December 2024 covered several standards like:

  • Areas of achievement
  • Areas for improvement
  • Progress that has been made against the ToC standards.

The teams also had to produce evidence for key areas such as the number of carers recorded in their systems, staff trained in carer awareness and carer feedback.

The reviewers were impressed by numerous examples of good practice across CNWL, including:

  • A mature, embedded approach to carer involvement. Underpinned by clear leadership, strong governance and meaningful co-production with carers and partners.
  • That carer inclusion is a “golden thread” at CNWL and features “ward to board” as part of continuous improvement, with carers firmly embedded as partners in care
  • The development of a Trustwide Carer Tableau demonstrates CNWL’s maturity evolving approach, showing the investment in data and systems to underpin effective carer involvement.

CNWL was also praised for its strong Carer Champion Network with visible executive sponsorship and the high levels of positive feedback from carers across service settings.

Mary Patel, Triangle of Care Programme Lead said:

“We hope that the Carers’ Lead and Patient & Carer Involvement Co-ordinator and the wonderful diversity of other carer-focused roles are recognised for the positive impact they make on carers’ lives, and in providing more personalised – and safer – care. Continued investment in these roles and maintenance of a strong strategic leadership focus on carers will see the Trust continue to improve.”

Grace Stratford-Levy, Patient and Carer Involvement Co-ordinator & Carers Lead said:

“We are truly committed to ensuring all carers across our services are involved and supported, and that they are treated with compassion, respect and always feel heard by CNWL staff. Our teams have worked very hard to reflect on areas that they are doing well, and identifying how they can improve – we want to express thanks to all teams for their continued engagement in this programme and their commitment to improvement.”

The peer review for star three, for CNWL’s community services, will take place later this year.